Before We Were Free – Julia Alvarez 
Interest Level – Grades 6 and up
Grade Level Equivalent – 6.5
Lexile Measure : 890L
Genre – Historical Fiction
Topics : Civics & Government, World History, Language Arts
“Before We Were Free” is an amazing historical fiction story about a tween girl, Anita, who lives in Dominican Republic in the time of major political turmoil. Anita’s family becomes involved in the elimination of the country’s dictator and as a result their lives change forever. This novel is appropriate for middle, as well as, high school students. This is not only a story about adolecent changes. Anita’s life becomes more complicated as the novel proceedes and much of what happens to her and her family is a study of civics and governemnt. Complex, educational, great read.
For “Before We Were Free” lesson plan go to tiny.cc/kpr1i
